Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar on Wednesday stated that the sexual assault case against Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith had merit, pointing out that there are witnesses who saw the actress crying while coming out of his caravan.
People on the movie set allegedly knew about the assault, he added. Immediately after the incident, the actress reportedly informed co-workers who comforted her.
According to the police, after the alleged sex assault, the actress was suffering from mental trauma and sought treatment and counselling. Given that Ranjith is a prominent director in Malayalam cinema, the actress had concerns about her privacy. Following this, the actress and her family filed a complaint with the police.
The commissioner also stated that there are signs indicating that Ranjith attempted to go into hiding and hence, they decided to apprehend him immediately. Director Ranjith was arrested in Thodupuzha on Tuesday night on charges of sexually harassing the actress. He was en route from Kochi to Thodupuzha when he was nabbed.
The investigation by a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) is being led by Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Aswathy Gigi.
Upon investigation, it became clear that the actress had faced violence, prompting the formation of an SIT with female officers, the commissioner revealed. A detailed preliminary inquiry was conducted based on the actress's statement, and the commissioner confirmed that the complaint had merit and proceeded with the investigation.
The commissioner assured that more evidence is being gathered, and the probe will continue.
